BAE Systems, a leader in electric propulsion, and Eaton, a global power management company, are expanding their collaboration to include electric vehicle (EV) solutions for heavy-duty trucks. The solution offers original equipment manufacturers and commercial vehicle modifiers a comprehensive, efficient, advanced, and flexible EV system for a wide range of zero-emission platforms.

In 2023, the two companies signed a memorandum of understanding to provide electric drive technology solutions for the medium-duty truck market. The expanded collaboration now includes heavy-duty applications, offering manufacturers a complete line of electric drive systems for commercial trucks above 19 tons.

BAE Systems will now combine its electric motor and suite of power dense, advanced power electronics with Eaton’s HD 4-speed EV transmission to provide a full heavy-duty EV system. Along with the existing MD-4 solution, the integrated systems are designed for medium- and heavy-duty applications, including pick-up and delivery trucks, school and transit buses, and material handling, refuse, and regional haul trucks.

The BAE Systems and Eaton solution delivers proven technology in an integrated package that meets the demands of the commercial truck market, backed by decades of collective experience in vehicle electrification. BAE Systems’ power electronics feature advanced materials and a compact, modular design that uses fewer parts, making it highly reliable and adaptable to diverse platforms. Eaton’s MD and HD EV transmissions are purpose-built to increase range, grade capability, and acceleration for commercial electric vehicles.

BAE Systems’ electric drive technology builds on more than 25 years of innovation that powers low- and zero-emission platforms on land and sea, including battery electric, fuel cell, and hybrid electric vehicles. The company has more than 16,000 propulsion systems operating in transit buses, boats, military and industrial vehicles across the globe with over five billion miles of proven performance.

Its electric propulsion technology is developed, manufactured, and serviced at its facilities in Endicott, New York, Rochester, UK, and Guaymas, Mexico.

In April, BAE Systems and Cummins announced plans to collaborate on the integration and certification of a B hybrid-compatible diesel engine and hybrid electric drivetrain for the transit market, targeted for launch in 2027. The hybrid electric solution will continue to provide transit agencies with a proven and cost-effective technology that reduces fuel use and emissions.

In this effort, BAE Systems will supply its electric drive hardware to interface with the engine and form a full hybrid electric drivetrain, as well as provide engineering support and system integration expertise.

BAE Systems and Cummins have worked together to develop hybrid electric solutions for buses since 1994. This newly expanded collaboration underscores a shared commitment to offering more emission-reducing options in transit.

Hybrid electric buses facilitate workforce development for training on high-voltage systems and do not require investment in extensive charging infrastructure.

In addition, hybrid buses with BAE Systems’ electric drive systems allow for increased zero-emission capable solutions. This includes proven engine start and stop and geofencing technology, allowing a hybrid bus to switch automatically to full electric bus mode when entering designated green zones.